Delta

Festivals & Events

Whether it's outdoor movie nights in Tsawwassen's Diefenbaker Park, a Quilt Walk & Classic Car Show in Ladner or Canada Day celebrations in North Delta, Delta's calendar is always a happening deal.

Tour de Delta (July)

Attracting more than 200 cyclists, pros and amateurs alike, this prestigious cycling weekend brings together some of North America's best peddlers to chase $25,000 in prize money. It's the richest three-day event in Canadian cycling and has included top names such as Roland Green, Mark McCormack and Claire Hall-Patch.

Three-Part Race

Tour de Delta is made up of three events: First it's the MK Delta Prologue that sees cyclists blasting around lightening quick course in North Delta. Then comes the Criterium that maneuvers around the tight corners of Ladner Village at breakneck speeds. And finally, there's a grueling road race around Delta's entirety, culminating at Winskill Park in Tsawwassen. The road race is part of the BC Cup racing series.

Ladner Village Market (summer weekends)

Rain or shine, this three-block open-air market happens the second and fourth Sunday throughout the summer, June to September. With more than 140 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and garden accessories to hand-made jewellery, soaps and other artisan creations, the Ladner Village Market is a destination unto itself, attracting up to 10,000 people a day.

There's plenty of local, live entertainment, too, as well as free parking in the immediate area.

Alternate Art Saturdays

On the first and third weekend, local merchants have created Alternate Art Saturdays, an open air forum for local artists to set up paint palettes and easels with works in progress alongside jewelry makers, potters and quilters.

Boundary Bay Air Show (June)

True to its WWII heritage when the airport housed and trained Canadian and Allied fighter pilots, Boundary Bay becomes a showcase of vintage and replica war birds. Commemorating The Battle of Britain, there are flybys, aerial and static displays as well as Air Cadet commencement parades, a host of children's activities and other festivities.

Boundary Bay Air Show is a family-oriented event so bring along lawn chairs and a picnic but leave pets behind. Admission and parking are free.

International Bog Day (July)

Started in Scotland over a decade ago to celebrate the world's bogs, International Bog Day raises awareness about these precious ecosystems and how they benefit planetary health. For example, peat bogs store and filter 10% of the world's fresh water and can reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by the same percentage.

This free event at Delta's Burns Bog includes bog tours, entertainment and children's activities such as solar-powered balloon twisting and a pedal-powered rock band.

Community Festivals

Ladner Pioneer May Day Fair (May)

Held in Memorial Park just steps away from Historic Ladner Village, Ladner Pioneer May Day Fair was established in 1896 and has since become one of the province's largest free family fairs. Featuring live bands, jugglers, magicians and carnival rides, the three-day event includes a lively midway, a pancake breakfast and 2.4km/1.5mi parade as well as May Pole Dancing and a May Queen Crowning Ceremony.

Tsawwassen Sun Festival (August)

Attracting upwards of 8,000 people over the three day period, the Tsawwassen Sun Festival is the largest community festival in south Delta. Activities include a parade, children's midway, antique fair, BMX air show, main stage entertainment and fireworks. The marketplace is a great place for arts, crafts and knick knacks.

North Delta Family Days (June/Canada Day)

Centred around the North Delta Community Park area, here's where to enjoy live stage shows, children activities and a terrific Salmon BBQ. There's also a colourful parade. Festivities usually coincide with Canada Day celebrations.

For more information about what's on in Delta, drop by the Visitor Centre at 6201 - 60th Avenue.